Trace reply: Charger drops offline [RE-wrenches]

[allan]

Chuck,
This is a long shot: check the 35A generator thermal breaker on the left
side of the inverter.  Some won't handle 35 amps, and will do a similar
latch-unlatch sequence.  I had it happen on Thursday on a 4024.  Stumped me
until I saw the breaker had tripped, because it doesn't act like a normal
open AC circuit breaker.  Try bypassing the breaker for testing.

Allan at Positive Energy
-----Original Message-----
From: Chuck Heath, SunPower <sunpwr at jps.net>
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Date: Thursday, August 10, 2000 3:50 PM
Subject: Trace reply: Charger drops offline [RE-wrenches]


>Here's the reply I received from Trace tech support. I won't have a
>chance to try their suggestions for a few days, but will report back
>after I do.
>
>Thanks to all wrenches who offered help and suggestions.
>
>Cordially, Chuck
>
>-=-=-
>Chuck,
>Put gen input to AC1, select "off" in gen menu and manually start
>generator.
>If results are the same, the there is a problem with the generator voltage
>or frequency. Rarely do both AC1 and AC2 fail at the same time. We can
>take
>a look at the inverter here to be sure but if no problems are found, there
>will be a $60. bench fee.
>
>Bryan A. Dybvig
>Xantrex Trace Engineering
>Product Support Technician
>bdybvig at traceengineering.com
>(360) 435-8826 EXT. 2203
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Chuck Heath [SMTP:sunpwr at jps.net]
>> Sent: Monday, August 07, 2000 11:20 AM
>> To: Bryan
>> Subject: Charger drops offline
>>
>> This is a repeat of the email sent 7/12/00 for which I'm still seeking
>> answers, or an RMA to return the unit. Please confirm receipt of this
>> message, since Bryan left a telephone message saying he never received
>> the original email message.
>>
>> Client reported charger of a SW 4024 (v. 4.01, s/n W4649) not working
>> properly. Site visit confirmed this. Only charging source is a
>> propane-fueled Kohler 12 RY generator, re-wired for 120 VAC (12 kW before
>> altitude derating). Battery is type 85-25 two-volt cells, 1270 AH @ 20
>> hr. discharge rate. System installed in February, 1997.
>>
>> Symptoms: Trace sees AC-2 Good from Kohler, goes into Bulk charging for
>> only 30-35 seconds, then drops out of Bulk and back to inverting for 10
>> seconds until cycle repeats. Kohler voltage is a steady 117-118 VAC
>> whether under load or not. Trace reports Kohler frequency as rock-solid
>> 60 cps.
>>
>> After nearly 6 hours generator runtime, was able to raise battery voltage
>> from 26.8 to 27.2 VDC - not nearly enough. At-rest battery voltage was
>> 24.9 VDC. Set Gen Amps AC (Menu #11) and Set Max Charge Amps AC (Menu
>> #10) are both at 35 Amps AC. Lower values did not change results, nor did
>> changing Set Float Voltage (27.1 VDC) to match Set Bulk Voltage setting
>> (Menu #10) of 29.8 VDC. Inverter/Charger AC Amps while charging was 30-32
>- - - - - - -
>To send a message:
> RE-wrenches at topica.com
>
>The archive of previous messages:
> http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/
>
>To unsubscribe send a message to:
> RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com
>
>To check out the other RE-Wrench participants:
> www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html
>
>Hosted by Home Power magazine:
> www.homepower.com
>
>For info contact list moderator by email:
> michael.welch at homepower.com
>___________________________________________________________
>T O P I C A  The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16
>Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
>

- - - - - - -
To send a message:
 RE-wrenches at topica.com

The archive of previous messages: 
 http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

To unsubscribe send a message to: 
 RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

To check out the other RE-Wrench participants:
 www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine: 
 www.homepower.com

For info contact list moderator by email:
 michael.welch at homepower.com
___________________________________________________________
T O P I C A  The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics